The Ministry of Health says the personal information of about 1,600 people was accessed through the province’s PharmaNet prescription medication information system.

An audit of the system discovered that between March 9 and June 19 of this year an unauthorized person used a doctor’s Pharmanet account, without the knowledge of the doctor, to gain access to the information.

According to a Ministry of Health release names, birthdates, addresses, personal health numbers and telephone numbers were all “involved” in the breach.

A spokesperson for the ministry said it’s not known exactly why someone would want the information, but such details could be used for identity theft.

The Ministry of Health said the breach was shut down and it will be contacting those affected by the breach starting today.